Based on the advice of the Sea Race, the hut was built upon a rocky outcrop.
They explained that if we had built it on the sandy beach as originally planned, there was a risk of it being submerged during the semi-annual spring tides.
A river flowed near the hut, and just a short way upstream was the cave containing the Coastal Dungeon. This location would serve well as both a resting place and a base of operations.
I listened intently to the Sea Race's explanation of the cave, but the High Elves and Mountain Elves were otherwise occupied.
"If we use a raised floor to deal with the humidity... what should we do about pests? Standard mouse guards are usually bypassed, aren't they?"
"The bugs in these rocky areas can cling to surfaces even when they're upside down."
"Their grip is incredibly strong, after all."
"That is where this specific mouse guard design comes in."
"Is that shaped like an inverted cup?"
"Bugs from the rocks are unable to move backward, so they must always face the direction they are traveling. In other words, if they try to crawl up into this cup, they are forced to head downward, but..."
"Won't they just hang on even if they're facing down?"
"Indeed, they will not fall from that alone. However, when moving while facing downward, their grip is more likely to fail under the weight of their own bodies. Now, feel the edge of this cup."
"...It's incredibly slippery."
"Yes. We use the juice of a special seaweed. When a rock bug sets foot on a rim coated with that, it has no choice but to fall."
"I see. Since they can't reverse, that's the end of them."
"However, please keep in mind that if the cup is too shallow, some especially determined bugs may climb over it through sheer willpower. Attaching multiple guards to a single pillar is even more effective."
I received a wealth of advice on building structures from the Sea Race, who seemed to be experts on the local pests. While I appreciated their research-oriented mindset, I really wished the others would listen to what was being said. I felt a bit uneasy being the only one paying attention.
Meanwhile, Zabuton's children easily scaled the much-vaunted inverted cup-style guards, making a point to show me they didn't even need to use their thread. I made sure to praise them. They really were impressive.
The cause of the Sea Race's mass fainting remained a mystery. They claimed they had been struck by an intense, murderous aura radiating from the shore, but wasn't it true that there were no powerful monsters or magic beasts in this area? Galf, Daga, and the others who had been patrolling also reported that they hadn't encountered anything formidable.
If that was the case, then...
"Whoever used lightning magic, step forward. I won't be angry, so just be honest."
...
No one stepped forward. I didn't think they were the type to stay silent if they'd done it, so it was likely that no one had used magic at all.
Kuro's children, don't even think about trying to take the blame for someone else. I wouldn't be happy if they lied to me like that. Honesty is the best policy.
Hm? Zabuton's children were all raising their legs. What was wrong?
They didn't use lightning magic, but the Sea Race fainted because of them? They had accidentally terrified them?
Don't be ridiculous. There was no way anyone would faint just from looking at these cute little things. In the first place, if that were true, wouldn't it be strange if the giant crabs hadn't fainted too?
Oh, the giant crabs did faint, but they woke up immediately?
I see... Well, if they were going that far to explain it, I would accept that it was their fault.
"Try not to scare them next time."
...It was a racial trait, so they couldn't help it?
Even if that was the case, the desire to avoid frightening others was an important attitude to maintain. That's right. It might be impossible now, but perhaps they could learn to control it in the future.
"Do you understand?"
They did. Good, dismissed.
...If what they said was true, several people had fainted right after coming to the village in the past. Could that have been the reason then, too?
In any case, I decided I would apologize to the members of the Sea Race once they were fully recovered.
The hut was finished. There was something inherently relaxing about being under a roof. Keeping the summer heat in mind, the walls were designed to be removable. Combined with the raised floor, it looked exactly like a beach house. Equipped with a kitchen, an outhouse, and a shower, it promised to be quite comfortable.
It was a shame there was no bath, but... I wondered if we could use the hole we'd dug to boil the giant crabs.
Apparently, that hole was meant to be a waiting area for the Sea Race members who couldn't come onto land. We would need to dig a waterway to the sea later. I didn't mind doing that, but it meant I'd have to dig a completely new hole for a proper bath. Time to get to work.
By the way, when they said "waiting area for those who can't come on land," what exactly were they waiting for? I didn't have any immediate plans to start a business here. Granted, the kitchen facilities were quite extensive...
"Please, leave the maintenance of this hut to us!" the Sea Race members declared with dignified expressions.
But I couldn't allow that. I didn't have any cooks to staff the place.
...That wasn't a problem? Several members of the Sea Race knew how to cook? They had studied in Shashato City? They even had experience helping out at the seaside stalls in Maruura. One had even traveled all the way to Village Five to study ramen while submerged in a barrel of seawater?
That was impressive, but they really shouldn't overexert themselves. So... ah, I see. They had gained confidence in their culinary skills and wanted a place to show them off. However, because of their race, it was difficult for them to operate far from the ocean for long periods, so a shop right on the beach was a godsend.
Hmm. If they could provide their own cooks, that changed things. Since I would only be supplying the raw ingredients, it wouldn't be much of a burden. Despite the remote location, the Goroun Company would likely handle periodic deliveries if I asked.
The next thing to consider was the clientele... but wasn't this place too far from any city?
"Focus primarily on the Sea Race?"
In that case... it should be fine. I didn't have any objections.
"Wait, don't get ahead of yourselves."
I still needed to get the Demon King's permission to run a business. I had mentioned that I might build a base, but I hadn't said anything about turning it into a shop. It might not have been strictly required, but the principles of Report-Liaison-Consultation were important.
When I mentioned this, Progenitor-san went and brought the Demon King himself.
"Your spirit in wanting to conduct business is admirable. However, I must wonder if your skills match that spirit."
"It's true that I might be a bit premature in wanting to own a shop. But I want to make people happy with my food!"
"Hmph. Very well. Then attempt to please me."
The Demon King had started acting like a professional food critic. I had brought plenty of ingredients, so there was no issue there. We had crab for lunch, so for a slightly early dinner, we served curry and ramen.
"This curry... the flavor is several steps below what I've had in the village or in Maruura. And yet... for some reason, I feel as though this is exactly right."
Curry eaten at the beach was special, after all. Still, since we were at the seaside, I felt they should have used more local ingredients. Like crab or shrimp. Well, never mind.
"This ramen, as well... the taste is so far below what is served in the village that they can hardly be compared. And yet... it tastes delicious."
Ramen at the beach was also a special experience. The fact that the toppings were a bit meager actually added to the charm.
While this wasn't bad, I really thought they should use more seafood. It wasn't like there was a rule against it. Oh well, forget it.
"Splendid! I grant my permission for the business!"
With the Demon King's blessing, it was officially decided that a shop would open here. Good for them.
"Work hard, okay?"
Eh? No, one of you is the shop manager. Don't try to foist it on me. They couldn't afford the cost of the hut?
"I don't need it. Seriously."
I didn't want any tribute, either.
"Hahaha, no, it's not that I'm unhappy with the percentage."
I told them that simply paying for the cost of the ingredients I supplied would be enough. They could even pay me in seafood. The smaller crabs they'd caught at noon would be perfect. Or even that special seaweed juice they used for the inverted cup guards. The High Elves and Mountain Elves were very interested in it.
"Just do what you can manage. I know the catch changes with the seasons."
I also warned them against overfishing.
"Also, while I doubt it'll happen, if the Demon King ever issues an order for you to vacate, I want you to comply peacefully. This is the Demon King's Territory, after all."
If that happened, I promised to help them build a new hut elsewhere.
Opening a shop was settled, but for now, this place was still a base for dungeon exploration. I understood their excitement, but I asked them to be patient for a little longer. We still needed to arrange for the transport of supplies.
However, I wondered what was taking Lu, Tia, and the adventurers the Demon King had arranged so long. If they were going to be delayed, I wished they would let me know.
By the way, Lu and Tia had apparently flown off before the giant crabs or the Sea Race had even arrived, saying they had some urgent business to attend to. I wondered what that was about?
As I was pondering this, I heard the sound of Kuro's children barking outside the hut. It seemed someone had arrived. However, when I looked out, I saw no one.
Hm? Ah, there. It was Tia's Golem. I hadn't noticed it because of its short stature. The golem was carrying a man who looked like an adventurer on its back. He didn't seem injured, but he was out cold.
Who was he?
"Is that... Cokes of Miagard's Axe?"
He was an adventurer who was an acquaintance of Gol and the others.